Ask any YouTuber and they will tell you that generating significant views and subscribers isn't easy. But with the right strategy and tools, any video creator can build an engaged subscriber base when they understand what those subscribers want to watch.

Appealing to an audience to watch content you are passionate about making is just the first step, you need to know how to reach them and get your videos discovered. Our guides to how to guide more views on YouTube will give you the best tips to succeed on the platform.

Getting Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

Getting thousands or even millions of YouTube subscribers is a dream for most creators. In the articles below, we'll show you how to turn casual viewers into long-term fans. 

Subscribers

YouTube Subscribers

Do you want to make money on YouTube? Millions of creators are earning a very good living from monetizing the platform and uploading content that drives huge views and engagements. Whether that YouTube income is from advertising revenue, merchandise sales, or brand deals, or subscriptions, we keep you updated with best practices and ideas.

Monetization

How To Make Money on YouTube

Want to see how your channel is performing? Read these YouTube analytics articles to discover what's working and what isn't. You'll learn how to identify which videos have the most Watch Time, clicks, audience retention, revenue, and more.

Analytics

YouTube Analytics

Watch Time is arguably THE most important metric on YouTube right now, and creators won’t be able to monetize their content without 4000 hours of it. But what is it and how can creators increase the amount of Watch Time their videos attract? We keep you updated on the best practices around Watch Time, and how you can increase how much your video content generates.

Watch Time

YouTube Watch Time

YouTube Shorts content is set to explode! 

All the latest tips, tricks, and rock-solid advice you need for this new feature.

YouTube Shorts

Do you know how to do keyword research so you understand what videos people are actually searching for on YouTube? Do you know how to create a custom YouTube thumbnail? Do you know how to create a Playlist on YouTube?

vidIQ has a ton of tips that will help every creator maximise their video content. We publish content every week to keep you up to date with all the best practices.

Tips & Tricks

YouTube Tips & Tricks

At vidIQ we have incredible insights into what viewers are searching for on YouTube. Not only can we confirm the top keywords being searched for, we can also show you how you can leverage that interest to create content around trending topics and tentpole events. That's going to give you a clear edge over other creators!

Insights

YouTube Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

Welcome to our celebration of the fastest-growing small channels in the vidIQ community! Last month, 10 creators brought the 

 with energetic dance tracks, soothing sounds, and bass that shook the walls.

And oh, yeah: They all passed 1,000 subscribers in the last 30 days! We're here to say 

and share your success with other vidIQ-ers!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating 

Ready to see who got the most subscribers? These were the fastest-growing channels last month.

Top Channels Passing 1,000 Subscribers in April

PokiNewbTCG does deep dives into the world of Pokémon trading cards.

 helps you live a more holistic life by improving your lifestyle.

 uploads engaging Shorts on choice-based games like "Would You Rather."

 creates engaging and entertaining shorts that tell different stories.

 gives reviews and tutorials on beauty products.

gives you helpful tips for your business, in terms of online marketing, software, tools, membership systems, video hosting, etc.

 tells us stories about the highest achievers throughout history with the help of AI.

 Music is using music therapy as a powerful tool to promote mental wellness.

Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

Which small YouTube channels grew the fastest in April? Click here to discover these rising creators! 

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [April 2024]

When creating a channel, some people wonder if 

Well, we won’t keep you in suspense: It’s one of the 

 things you can do on YouTube! A channel trailer is an excellent way to 

turn everyday viewers into potential subscribers

The harder question is, “How do you make a channel trailer on YouTube?” What should you talk about, and how do you prove you're worth subscribing to?

In this article, we’ll explain all of that and more.

A trailer is a short video introduction to your channel. It helps new viewers understand your niche, the type of content you make, and what they’ll gain from subscribing to you. Best of all, viewers can focus on your pitch because trailers 

Before you start filming, make sure you’re creating the right type of video. These five tips will help you make a high-quality trailer!

How long should a YouTube channel trailer be? Most experts agree that 

 seconds is long enough. In that period, you can explain the value of your content and nudge viewers toward hitting the subscribe button.

This will sound counterintuitive, but try not to worry about “time,” as in hitting a specific number of minutes. Just be brief and concise. This happens naturally as you determine what you need to say versus what you don’t.

Showcasing your niche is the fastest way to explain your YouTube channel. So whether you’re making videos about Minecraft, makeup, travel, or something else, your trailer needs to show that one essential activity.

These days, it’s not enough to state your niche or expertise and leave it at that. Viewers want to see proof so they can trust you sooner and know the value of your channel.

Want people to connect with your mission? Before you ask them to subscribe, explain why you have a channel in the first place. What drives you to create content, and what personal experiences led you to this decision?

You don’t have to answer these questions directly, but you can share a personal story that reveals a deeper purpose. What makes you different from other creators? How does your story set you apart?

By this point, you’ve spent some time talking about yourself. Now it’s time to tell viewers what they’ll gain by subscribing to your channel and watching your videos. In other words, what’s in it for them?

If you’re a real estate agent, maybe you help people understand the true cost of a mortgage. If you’re an entrepreneur, perhaps your value is in teaching the art of low-cost startups.

No matter what you plan to do, be sure to communicate that in your trailer!

5. Ask Viewers to Hit the Subscribe Button

Now that you’ve shared your channel’s value, it’s time to ask people to subscribe. This will likely be your biggest call to action on YouTube, where you invite people to join your community.

Making that request might feel weird at first, but some viewers need to hear it. They may have wanted to subscribe but simply forgot, so always share that quick reminder!

Making a trailer from scratch can be challenging, so it helps to have a few examples in mind. Use the ones below to get inspired!

1. Rachel How: ‘How I became a UI/UX designer in 3 months’

Rachel clearly states her expertise on YouTube (UI/UX design).

A personal story (and triumph) establishes Rachel as an expert.

It’s a bit long, but so is the journey to a better career. Rachel uses extra minutes to connect with viewers about a deeply emotional topic.

2. Ben Johnson: 'A channel for creatives'

You understand what the channel is about in seconds.

Ben proves his expertise with a highlight reel of his craft.

Ben shares his purpose on YouTube: becoming a knowledge resource for other creators.

3. Hey Nadine: 'Subscribe for travel advice and adventures'

Within seconds, you know it’s a travel channel.

Nadine proves her expertise with a highlight reel of her travels.

She shares what’s in it for you: learning how to travel smarter and save money.

A male filming a YouTube video in front of the camera under bright lights

Need more details? Here are some answers to more questions about channel trailers.

Can a featured YouTube video be a channel trailer?

Featured videos and channel trailers are two different things on YouTube. Featured videos are shown to current subscribers, and channel trailers are shown to people who haven’t subscribed yet. So, for now, a featured video 

Can I use my most popular video as a channel trailer?

Yes, but it’s better to use a video that attracts the most subscribers overall. You can find this information in the YouTube Studio.

The Analytics option is below Playlists in the left navigation menu.

See More option is below the graph in the analytics dashboard

The subscribers gained filter option is right below the content tab

4. The video gaining the most subscribers is at the top of the list. To get better results, adjust the time period (top right) for 90 days or more.

On the vidIQ channel a YouTube video about subscribers is driving the most subscriptions in the last 90 days

How do I add a trailer to my YouTube channel?

Customization is right below Monetization in the left navigation menu

 to select a video for your trailer. Click 

The add button is on the right side of the screen, next to the words "channel trailer for people who haven't subscribed."

A woman speaks in front of the camera while sitting down

Ready to make a YouTube trailer? Here's how to turn casual viewers into subscribers with an introductory video.

5 Tips to Make a Fascinating YouTube Channel Trailer

 that will give creators more flexibility in how they monetize videos. Instead of funneling everyone through one path, the program will have four contract modules:

These changes come with new YPP terms. So if you’re already monetizing on YouTube, you can retain your partner status by 

. If you haven’t joined the YPP, these new terms will appear in the application process.

. If you reach either milestone, you can apply to monetize your videos:

1,000 YouTube subscribers plus 10 million public 

With today’s news, we can officially add the new modules to the list. So here’s a deeper explanation of what they are and when you need to accept them to make money.

The most significant change to the YPP is that you’ll need to accept the base terms for 

. All monetizing creators must do this going forward, whether they’re joining the YPP for the first time or trying to maintain partner status.

Within the base terms, you’ll learn how YouTube plans to pay you, its content policies, and other finance topics, such as taxes and sharing revenue with copyright holders.

. If you don’t accept at least the base terms by then, you’ll get removed from the YPP. That erases all your future income (unless you re-apply to the program), so get it done ASAP!

Earning through watch pages is a common way to make money on YouTube. These pages are all over the platform, including the “regular” side of YouTube, YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, and the YouTube Kids app.

So if you want to make money from watch pages — the home of long-form videos and live streams — accept the Watch Page Monetization terms. That allows you to earn revenue from advertisements on a watch page or within the YouTube video player.

 You don’t have to accept these terms. You can remain a YouTube partner or become one without doing so; it just means you 

let Shorts creators earn advertising revenue

 from their content. This money will come from ads shown in the Shorts feed and YouTube Premium, and creators will split the revenue with YouTube. 

 that "from the overall amount allocated to creators, they will keep 45% of the revenue, distributed based on their share of total Shorts views."

To start making money, accept the Shorts Monetization terms before February 1. If you miss the deadline, revenue will accrue whenever you accept the new terms in this module.

The Commerce Product Addendum is all about fan funding on YouTube. Accepting these terms will unlock monetization tools like 

. However, YouTube says you won’t have to accept these if you've already done so.

New YPP Terms and Timelines: A Quick Summary

To sum up, all monetizing creators must accept the YPP base terms.

If that sounds like you, plan to accept them by 

Otherwise, you’ll get kicked out of the program and have to re-apply.

If you’re primarily a Shorts creator, it’s wise to accept the base 

, so you can monetize your Shorts without delay.

As for the other two modules — Commerce Product Addendum and Watch Page Monetization — you technically don’t 

 to accept these, but we recommend you do! Accepting all four modules is the best way to maximize your YouTube revenue.

If you’re in the YPP, these terms will become available in the next few days. Be sure to look out for an email or notification from YouTube so you can review and accept the terms ASAP!

Need more details? Watch this video announcement from the YouTube Creators channel.

A smartphone showing the YouTube logo next to American currency

Calling all creators! There have been some major changes to the YouTube Partner Program, and if you want to keep making money (or start), take these actions now.

New YPP Terms: Accept Them Now to Keep Monetizing on YouTube [2023]

best practices for writing YouTube titles

: Make them intriguing, add some emotion, and use the right keywords.

But what about the hidden, less-talked-about methods? The underrated tips you never hear about that drive thousands of views on YouTube?

Today, we’re going to spill those secrets. We recently spoke with title expert Jake Thomas of 

, who shared two ways to write the best YouTube titles:

A black and white drawing of Pablo Picasso

The first method for naming YouTube videos is the Picasso Method. It’s inspired by the famous artist Pablo Picasso, who’s often quoted as saying, “Good artists borrow, and great artists steal.”

He was probably talking about fine art when he said that, but the concept applies to YouTube too. If you look at different channels in the same niche — the YouTube education space, for example — you’ll notice that everyone steals from each other. If one creator gets thousands of views using a video title, someone else uses it too.

We’re not saying you should blatantly copy titles, though. It’s much better to pull inspiration from a concept, then use it to write a unique title for 

Picasso Method in Action: ‘Recycling’ YouTube Titles

When we spoke with Jake, he explained how the Picasso method works in action. So, imagine this: You have a fitness channel, and one of your competitors uploads a video titled “How to Get a Six Pack in 10 Weeks.” It has  100,000 views, so you know the concept is worth exploring on your channel.

Over the next few days, you spend some time creating your version of that video. When it’s time to think about titles, you don’t steal your competitor’s idea 100%; you say something like “10 Tips to Get a Six Pack in 10 Weeks.”

Two YouTube tiles that are similar but not quite the same

“They’re similar, but [you’re] not exactly copying,” Jake says.

The Picasso Method is perhaps the best way to title YouTube videos, but don’t pull inspiration from just any content. You want to make sure the topic is relevant 

. That means you shouldn't visit a channel, find a video with high views, and use its title without asking questions. Always wonder, 

. It shows you which videos are getting views right now on any creator's channel page.

A list of Trending YouTube videos on the vidIQ channel

Most people know DJ Khaled, but if you don’t, think of him as a “chart-topping rap icon.” He's known for bringing artists together to create hit records and remixes. In fact, he is the 

 of remixing, which is why the DJ Khaled method is perfect for YouTube.

“This is where you remix proven ideas from 

If that sounds a bit confusing, here’s an example. Imagine that, like before, you have a fitness channel on YouTube. You’re browsing videos to watch on the app, and you come across one titled “20 Halloween Candies You Should Never Eat.” This idea is way outside your niche, but with a little creativity, you remix the title for a fitness video: “10 Back Exercises You Should Never Do.”

How to Find YouTube Video Titles to Remix

Not sure which titles to remix? The trick is finding videos in niches similar to yours yet different enough to create unique titles.

“Think of the big, major niches,” Jake says. “Health, wealth, and relationships are good places to start.”

If you have a health channel, get your title inspiration from relevant sub-niches, like nutrition, productivity, or healthy habits. If you’re making “wealth” content, try remixing your titles with marketing, finance, or real estate titles. For the relationships niche, pull inspiration from video titles around dating and marriage advice.

The best thing to do is keep a running list of channels you admire in these niches. Then you can track what they’re posting and get non-stop inspiration for video titles.

An easy way to do this is with vidIQ’s Competitor Tracking Tool. Sign up for the Pro plan ($10/month), then track multiple channels on YouTube based on video views, historical data, and other metrics.

A list of top-viewed videos from a competitor channel called Think Media

When you feel stuck, don’t write titles from scratch. Open the YouTube app and see what’s already out there for you to tweak or remix. You’ll get immediate inspiration, which helps you write the best title for your YouTube video.

And if you need more details about either method — the Picasso or DJ Khaled — this video has more examples to help you out.

Ready to take your views to the next level? 

Here are three more secrets for writing the best YouTube titles.

Confused about how to title YouTube videos? Here are some unique, underrated tips to make your titles more engaging.

Elevate Your YouTube Titles with These Secret, Underrated Tips

 YouTube video for your channel? When you factor in all of the necessary tasks — finding a good idea, scripting, filming, editing, coming up with titles, designing a thumbnail — how do the hours stack up? Do you spend 10, 20, or more?

Whatever your number is, you can slash it in half with YouTube automation. This time-saving hack allows you to outsource parts of the creative process so everything doesn’t fall on your shoulders. 

No time to create a thumbnail? No problem. Don’t want to spend hours writing a YouTube script? Consider it handled!

In the past, automation largely meant outsourcing creative work to someone else. So if you didn’t have time to find video ideas, research trends, or do some other task, you could hire an agency or freelancer to do it for you. In fact, plenty of 

But it’s becoming less common to ask a human for help. Instead, people are using computers powered by artificial intelligence to get the answers they need or the assets they want. All of this is driving the rise of 

 — digital tools designed to make life easier for content creators.

4 vidIQ Tools for Automating YouTube Tasks

By now, you’re probably wondering how to do YouTube automation. Next up, we’ll share some vidIQ tools that can help you with that, from creating video titles to generating video descriptions on the fly. We’ll even share some 

When you’re struggling to come up with video titles, use the 

 to get relevant, engaging suggestions. Like the name suggests, this tool uses AI to generate results in a matter of seconds. All you have to do is type in a basic keyword or title and click 

The phrase "popular youtube trends and memes for more videos" typed into the ai title generator

A collection of video titles in the vidIQ AI title generator 

This tool uses the same AI software, GPT-3, that powers the popular chatbot from OpenAI (ChatGPT). So with this generator, you’ll see engaging titles that pair well with your topic.

How to Write Better YouTube Titles with AI Suggestions

write descriptions for every YouTube video

 so both viewers and the algorithm understand your content. The only problem? It’s a bit boring, if not tedious, to write a good description 

That’s where the AI Description Generator can help you out. All it needs is a few keywords related to your video to whip up an engaging description. Once you have a few phrases in mind, it’s as simple as typing them in and hitting 

The keywords "youtube trends," "youtube memes" and "youtube views" typed into the vidIQ AI description generator

And just like that, you have a few descriptions to choose from. You can hit the 

Example of a video description generated by the vidIQ description generator

This tool also uses GPT-3 to automate descriptions and explain the theme of your video in a captivating way.

If there’s one thing every creator needs, it’s more video ideas. With Daily Ideas from vidIQ, you can find exciting concepts that would make great YouTube videos for your audience. Best of all, you get new ideas daily!

, Daily Ideas will analyze the videos on your channel to suggest personalized and custom video ideas.

Personalized ideas are based on videos you’ve already posted, so they appear automatically. With custom ideas, you can type in any keyword to get new video suggestions!

Here’s an example of custom ideas based on the video game 

 for how well the video could perform, from “very high” to “low” views.

A list of customized video ideas from vidIQ

And here are the personalized ideas. They appear automatically based on the topics you create content on.

Like the other tools, Daily Ideas uses GPT-3 to share video ideas. So if you’re feeling stuck, this AI assistant will light the way forward.

Daily Ideas from vidIQ – More Video Ideas to Spark Your YouTube Success

AI Coach is our newest tool that uses GPT-3 to answer questions about YouTube. You can ask our coach anything about the creative journey, such as how often to post, what information should go in specific videos, and the best content ideas for your channel. It can even write basic video scripts.

Let’s say you want to make a video about finding Egyptian pyramids in 

 to sign up and start a conversation with the AI Coach. From there, you'll see an area to type questions and get responses from the chatbot.

A Minecraft video script generated by vidIQ's AI Coach.

It’s just like a normal conversation, so our AI Coach will remember what you’ve already said as you make more requests. You might want a script to be longer, have timestamps, or even come with title ideas.

Minecraft video titles generated by vidIQ's AI Coach.

Looking for ways to automate your YouTube channel? These AI-powered tools will do the hard work for you by writing titles, descriptions, and video scripts in seconds.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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